Tonawanda News — Like the event it’s named for, this year’s Canal Fest Pageant turns 30 today as scores of young women from the Tonawandas prepare to shine tonight before a panel judges at the Riviera Theatre.

The eventual crowning of a Canal Fest Queen this evening — as well as Teen Pricess, Junior Princess, Little Princess, Tiny Princess and Little Mister — is a tradition serving to kick off one of the area’s largest summer festivals.

But for most of the many bright young contestants hailing from the Twin Cities, the experience is also a rite of passage. Regardless of the outcome, the pageant is designed to put on full display the many achievements, idealism and, yes, beauty of some of the area’s best and brightest young women.

“We’ve had some pretty impressive former Canal Fest Queens, from teachers to a research biologist to business owners,” organizer Maryalice Demler, a Lumber City native and news anchor at Channel 2, WGRZ-TV, said. 

The pageant’s emphasis on scholarship and community service, she said, is not to be overlooked, and stems from the event’s beginnings under the local chapter of the Business and Professional Women’s Club.

Demler was a member of that group when the pageant was formed and holds the distinction of being the second Queen ever crowned in 1984.

“They were the ones who really emphasized scholarship. They wanted their Canal Fest Queens to exemplify professional women,” Demler, who took over organization of the event in 1999, said.

While Demler has herself exemplified those ideals, so too have many others to grace the pageant’s stage.

To mark the occasion this year, she said a PowerPoint presentation during the pageant will recap the past 29 pageant queens, and will include a visit by Phyllis Phillips, vice chairwoman of the organization New York State Women, an offshoot of the original Business and Professional Women’s Club.

The current queen, Dana Fischer, was a second runner-up in 2010, and like many contestants, has taken part in the pageant more than once over the years.

This year, 11 contestants between the ages of 16 and 21, and several familiar faces, will compete for the pageant’s top honors beginning at 6 p.m. at the historic Webster Street theater in North Tonawanda.

Among them, few stones remain unturned, with some young ladies currently putting their talents to good use in the medical field, the arts as musicians and dancers, businesses and numerous community organizations. 

Each contestant will walk on stage and take part in a brief “interview” with the pageant emcee. Judging is based on confidence, personality and appearance. Canal Fest Queen and Teen contestants will also be scored on their ability to express their opinions and ideas.

During Saturday night’s competition, contestants will model a casual outfit and a formal dress or gown.

All participants will receive an award on stage. Title winners in each age division will also receive a crown, banner, trophy and a savings bond.

The Canal Fest Queen will also receive a modest college scholarship.

In perhaps the most exciting expression of success at the pageant, titleholders will make guest appearances at events throughout Canal Fest Week, starting with an appearance during the festival’s opening ceremonies at noon on Sunday and Tuesday’s Canal Fest Parade.

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Meet the contestants:

Alison Chilton

AGE: 17

LIVES IN: North Tonawanda

PARENTS: James and Robin Chilton of Abington Place

EDUCATION: Grade 12, North Tonawanda High School.

CLUBS/WORK: Editor-in-chief of school yearbook, worked at Waterbike Adventures and Boys & Girls Club of the Northtowns.

INTERESTS: “To be a broadcast journalist, to write a book, to inspire.” Enjoys reading, writing, meeting new people and learning about different cultures.

Kristin Mulligan 

AGE: 21

LIVES IN: North Tonawanda

PARENTS: Kevin and Connie Mulligan of Saybrook Avenue

EDUCATION: Student at Daemon College, graduating in May with BS/MS in Physician Assistant Studies.

CLUBS/WORK: Medical assistant at the Vein Treatment Center, member Students Without Borders, vice president, Physician Assistant Student Society.

INTERESTS: “To be an emergency medicine physician assistant.” Enjoys traveling, cooking, scrapbooking, hiking.

Stephanie Rowe

AGE: 16

LIVES IN: North Tonawanda

PARENTS: Ronald and Denise Rowe of Fairmont Avenue

EDUCATION: Grade 12, North Tonawanda High School.

CLUBS/WORK: Cheerleader

INTERESTS: Wants to become a police officer. Interested in criminal justice.

Kellsie Jean Nolan 

AGE: 19 

LIVES IN: North Tonawanda  

PARENTS: Michael and Kathleen Nolan of East Felton Street

EDUCATION: Entering third year at UB, majoring in speech pathology.

CLUBS/WORK: Church cantor, drawing, floor supervisor at Izod/ member student senate, student programming board, Catholic Club president. 

INTERESTS: “To live a productive, happy life helping others.”

Samantha Moore

AGE: 17

LIVES IN: North Tonawanda

PARENTS: Loretta and Keith Moore of Klaum Avenue

EDUCATION: Entering grade 12, North Tonawanda High School.

CLUBS/WORK: President National Honor Society, Youth Court member, Scholastic Bowl participant, DECA, Tri-M/ Works at SPS Temporaries

INTERESTS: “To go to college to become a veterinarian.” Enjoys reading, playing the saxophone, dancing and watching movies.

Janelle Follendorf

AGE: 20

LIVESIN: North Tonawanda

PARENTS: Michael and Janet Follendorf of Pioneer Drive

EDUCATION: Graduate NCCC, major in surgical technology.

CLUBS/WORK: Member Association of Surgical Technologists/ certified surgical technologist, worked at FedEx Trade Networks.

INTERESTS: “Continue education to become a physicians assistant.” Enjoys studying, listening to music, shopping, walking the dog and “extreme couponing”

Ashley Starkweather

AGE: 16

LIVES IN: North Tonawanda  

EDUCATION: North Tonawanda High School

INTERESTS: “To be a dance teacher and a country singer.” Enjoys dancing and singing.

Jenna Brick

AGE: 16

LIVES IN: North Tonawanda

PARENTS: Bridget and Michael Gillmer of Wheatfield Street

EDUCATION: Entering grade 11, North Tonawanda High School

CLUBS/WORK: National Honor Society, student council, worked at Sullivan’s gymnastics, Kiddie Haven Daycare, Mount St. Mary Summer Camp and volunteer at Bunny Breakast.

INTERESTS: Wants to be a physical therapist. Enjoys cheerleading and gymnastics.

Josey Topolski

AGE: 19

LIVES IN: North Tonawanda

PARENTS: Donald and Heidi Topolski of Goundry Street

EDUCATION: Entering third year at University of Rochester, majoring in chemistry.

CLUBS/WORK: University symphony orchestra, ballroom dance club and undergraduate Chemistry Council/ pharmacy technician, violin instructor, FIRST Organization instructor.

INTERESTS: “To establish a research foundation for the study of Alzheimer’s disease.” Enjoys eating and cooking, playing the violin and piano, performing laboratory experiments.

Cara Porto

AGE: 16

LIVES IN: North Tonawanda  

PARENTS: Christine and Phillip Porto of Old Falls Boulevard

EDUCATION: Entering grade 12, North Tonawanda High School.

CLUBS/WORK: Lady Jacks Lacrosse, West Seneca Wings Hockey, Academy of Engineering and Architecture/Worked at North Tonawanda public library and Nash Road Free Methoddist Church.

INTERESTS: “To become an architect and urban designer.” Enjoys drawing, reading, playing sports, volunteering.

Carissa Anne Stuart

AGE: 19

LIVES IN: City of Tonawanda 

PARENTS: Charles and Diane Stuart of Lynbrook Drive

EDUCATION: Attends Niagara University, majoring in French Education.

CLUBS/WORK: Student council, French club, Christmas For Kids, Senior Citizen Prom/City of Tonawanda lifeguard, volunteer cheerleading coach with TFC.

INTERESTS: “To become a middle or highly school French teacher.” Enjoys Dancing as a Buffalo Bandette, cheerleading.

Contact city editor Neale Gulley at 693-1000, ext. 4114